Konica Z-up 120 VP

The Konica Z-up 120 VP is a Japanese compact camera for 35mm film, distinguished by its integrated zoom and ease of use. It dates back to the late 1990s.

Lens

The Konica Z-up 120 VP features a built-in Konica zoom lens with a focal length of 38 mm to 120 mm and a variable aperture of f/3.6 to f/10.6. The lens consists of 6 elements in 5 groups.

It is an autofocus lens controlled by an infrared sensor. The minimum focusing distance of the lens is 0.8 meters (2.6 ft) to infinity. There is no filter thread.

The camera features automatic focusing with focus lock to lock focus on a specific subject. However, autofocus can be problematic with dark, gray, reflective, light-emitting, or very small objects, as well as with obstacles such as rain, fog, or smoke. In such cases, you can lock the focus on an object of a similar distance and brightness.

The camera features a true zoom viewfinder system with autofocus frames, close-up parallax markers, and a green lamp to indicate focus status.

Exposure Settings

The Konica Z-up 120 VP features automatic exposure (AE) controlled by a CdS light meter. The AE coupling range is EV 4 to EV 16 for f=38mm and EV 6.8 to EV 16 for f=120mm.

The Japanese camera also offers an exposure compensation of +1.5 EV for better results in difficult lighting situations, such as backlit shots.

The camera automatically selects aperture and shutter speed based on the measured light intensity. The shutter speed is electronically controlled and ranges from 1/300 second to 1 second.

The Konica has several shooting modes that can be set using a mode dial: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On, Self-Timer, Night Scene, Flash Off, +1.5 EV Exposure Compensation, and Landscape Mode. The camera’s viewfinder is a real-image zoom viewfinder that shows the user what the lens sees. The LCD screen displays key information such as battery status, film number, and shooting mode.

Flash System

The Konica Z-up 120 VP has a built-in flash that activates automatically in low-light situations. The flash range at ISO 100 is 0.8 m to 5.6 m at 38 mm and 0.8 m to 1.9 m at 120 mm.

At ISO 400, the range increases to 0.8 m to 11.2 m at 38 mm and 0.8 m to 3.8 m at 120 mm.

The camera offers a red-eye reduction function, which fires a pre-flash before the actual flash to minimize the red-eye effect. The flash recharge time is approximately 6 seconds. The camera offers various flash modes, including auto flash, red-eye reduction, flash on, and flash off.

Additional Features

The Konica Z-up 120 VP features a self-timer with a delay of approximately 10 seconds. A tripod thread is also provided for attaching the camera to a tripod and preventing camera shake during longer exposure times.

The point-and-shoot camera also offers a long exposure mode, but requires a self-timer. A manual rewind button is available if the film needs to be removed early. The camera can be triggered remotely, but only in certain modes except the self-timer.

There was also an additional Date Back variant. This model comes with a date back and a built-in calendar. It extends to the year 2049. This allows the shooting date to be imprinted on the images.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the Konica Z-up 120 VP are 118 x 67.5 x 55 mm. The camera weighs 255 g without battery, while the model with the date function weighs 260 g.

The power source is a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). One battery charge is sufficient for approximately 250 photos.

Film Recommendations

The Konica Z-up 120 VP is compatible with standard 35mm film. The camera automatically sets the film speed based on the DX code, supporting ISO 25 to ISO 3200. If a film without a DX code is loaded, the camera automatically uses ISO 25.

For general photography, a film with ISO 100 or ISO 200 is recommended. The Kodak Gold 200* would be a good choice here.

For indoor or low-light photography, a film with ISO 400 or higher should be used. For portraits, a film with ISO 400 can be well-suited, especially when combined with the flash.

For sports or fast-moving scenes, a film with ISO 400 or higher is recommended to enable fast shutter speeds and avoid motion blur. The number of images per film roll depends on the length of the roll, usually 24 or 36 exposures. The camera features automatic film advance and automatic rewind at the end of the roll.

Quick Operation Guide

• Inserting the Battery: Open the battery compartment and insert a CR123A or DL123A battery. Observe the correct polarity (+/-).
• Loading the Film: Open the camera back and insert a 35mm film roll. Ensure the film is properly inserted into the spool holder. Pull the film tip up to the mark and close the back.
• Turning on the Camera: Slide the power switch to “On.” The lens extends.
• Aim at the subject: Look through the viewfinder and point the camera at your subject.
• Focus: Press the shutter button halfway to focus. The green light will light up when the focus is correct.
• Release the shutter: Press the shutter button fully to take the picture.
• Turn off the camera: Slide the power switch to “Off.” The lens retracts.